Release & Environment Management Specialist (Information Technology Specialist I)

Job Description and Duties This position is being re advertised. Previous applicants who applied to JC-530389 are still in consideration and do not need to reapply. Join the CalSTRS Enterprise IT Solutions & Innovation Division as an Information Technology Specialist I in the Solution Services Unit. We are seeking a motivated professional who is passionate about technology, innovation, and customer service to help deliver impactful IT solutions that support the organization's strategic goals and business needs. The Enterprise IT Solutions and Innovation Division provides solutions development and related support services aimed at delivering and optimizing the CalSTRS enterprise-wide, technology-based solutions to the business. This division works in collaboration with the Project Management, Infrastructure and Operations, Enterprise IT Governance and CalSTRS business areas in the delivery of quality solutions that meet or exceed the business needs of CalSTRS. This division manages and provides oversight to, Data Solutions Services, Solution Services, System and Production Services and Web Solutions Development sections. The Solution Services section manages and provides oversight to Quality Management, Electronic Content Management, Release Management and Agile Delivery teams. Under the direction of the Release Management Manager, the Release & Environment Management Specialist is responsible for planning and executing software applications and shared services build and deployments to development, test, production, and disaster recovery environments. The incumbent works collaboratively with other Technology Services teams to ensure changes are introduced to our systems in a consistent, predictable, and (when possible) fully automated manner and systems continue to operate optimally, accurately, and as expected. The ideal candidate will possess the following skills: • Strong understanding of release management, environment management, and SDLC practices, including coordinating deployments across SIT, UAT, Production, and Disaster Recovery environments while ensuring compliance with organizational standards • Demonstrated experience developing and automating CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, or similar tools to support reliable and repeatable software releases. • Experience deploying, administering, and supporting cloud-native applications and services within Amazon Web Services (AWS) environments, including infrastructure provisioning, monitoring, and operational support. • Experience creating and maintaining Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions using tools such as Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, YAML, or PowerShell to automate environment provisioning and configuration management. • Experience troubleshooting complex distributed applications and integrations across cloud, data, and low-code platforms using monitoring, observability, and diagnostic tools to maintain system reliability and performance. • Ability to collaborate effectively with cross functional teams to support scheduled and emergency release activities. • Demonstrated ability to independently research, evaluate, and learn new technologies, tools, and methodologies. Every 12 months, based on performance evaluation, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary for the position. In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts. Does this opportunity seem right for you? If so, see the Application Instructions section below and apply now. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Special Requirements Statement of Qualifications: Interested individuals must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) in addition to the standard state application (form STD 678). Your SOQ will be considered the first interview for this position. If your qualifications are competitive, you will be invited to an interview. When completing the SOQ, please include all relevant experience, education, and training, as applicable, and explain all answers thoroughly. Your SOQ should not exceed two pages, single-spaced, 12-point font and address the following questions: • Provide an example of how you have built and maintained strong working relationships across teams or departments. Include examples of how you approached collaboration, resolved conflicts when needed, and supported shared goals • Describe your experience planning, coordinating, and executing software releases across multiple environments (such as SIT, UAT, and Production). In your response, explain the release processes you followed, the tools and technologies you used (for example, GitHub, Azure DevOps, PowerApps, AWS Glue, Snowflake, etc), and the steps you took to ensure adherence to organizational standards, governance requirements, and SDLC compliance Exam: This position requires a current Information Technology Specialist I examination. If you need to take the examination or if your score has expired, click here to gain list eligibility. CalSTRS Personal Trading Program Investment Branch employees are required to participate in the CalSTRS Personal Trading Program which allows CalSTRS to monitor employees’ personal trading transactions in order to reduce risks associated with insider trading, front running, and misusing material non-public information. Upon accepting a position within the Investment Branch, you will be required to disclose your personal broker account information and be required to utilize a personal broker from a designated list as provided by CalSTRS. Background Investigation Prior to employment with CalSTRS, a background investigation (BI) will be conducted. The BI consists of a Personal History Statement and fingerprinting through the Department of Justice. The BI will check criminal and civil records and, if applicable, verify education and check driving records. CalSTRS Disclosure Requirements This position may be subject to disclosure and disqualification requirements concerning economic conflict of interest in government work, including the Conflict of Interest Code that applies to CalSTRS team members and the Political Reform Act, which require disclosure of certain investment information and use of a designated trading platform for securities transactions, as well as filing a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700). Incompatible Activities This position is subject to the provisions of Government Code Section 19990. Upon accepting a position at CalSTRS, you will also be required to comply with the CalSTRS Incompatible Activities Policy by ensuring that outside work or activities are compatible and align with your professional activities or workplace obligations.